ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To identify petrous internal carotid bleeding aneurysm as a complication of gasserian ganglion thermocoagulation. PATIENTS: A single case presenting with epistaxis and otorrhagia 1 month after gasserian ganglion thermocoagulation in the treatment of refractory trigeminal neuralgia. INTERVENTION(S): Gasserian ganglion thermocoagulation, computed tomographic scan, and angiocomputed tomographic scan revealing petrous internal carotid ruptured aneurysm and internal carotid embolization. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Radiologic diagnosis of the vascular injury after gasserian ganglion thermocoagulation. RESULTS: Radiologic identification of ruptured internal carotid artery as the cause of simultaneous epistaxis and otorrhagia. CONCLUSION: Gasserian ganglion thermocoagulation may cause aneurysm and rupture of the petrous portion of the internal carotid artery.
